High-frequency module

ABSTRACT

A high-frequency module includes a transmission signal amplifier that outputs a transmission signal to an antenna terminal side; a reception signal amplifier that amplifies a reception signal supplied from an antenna terminal; a switch that selectively connects the antenna terminal to either an output of the transmission signal amplifier or an input of the reception signal amplifier; and a directional coupler that is provided on a transmission signal path and detects a signal level of the transmission signal. The transmission signal amplifier is controlled by a first control signal supplied from a first control circuit. The reception signal amplifier is controlled by a second control signal supplied from a second control circuit. The switch is controlled by a switch control signal supplied from the first control circuit. The directional coupler is controlled by a coupler control signal supplied from the first control circuit.

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/788,625filed on Feb. 12, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/215,777 filed on Dec. 11, 2018, which claimspriority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-244351 filed on Dec.20, 2017, Japanese patent Application No. 2018-065691 filed on Mar. 29,2018 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-119249 filed on Jun. 22,2018. The contents of these applications are incorporated herein byreference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a high-frequency module. There hasbeen a high-frequency module that includes a transmission circuit and areception circuit, and that switches between these circuits and connectsone of them to an antenna by using a switch circuit to transmit andreceive a radio frequency (RF) signal to and from a base station.

For example, United States Patent Application Publication No.2008/0180169 discloses a power amplification module including anamplifier that outputs, as a transmission signal, an amplified signalobtained by amplifying an input signal to an antenna side, and adirectional coupler coupled to a transmission signal line formed betweenthe amplifier and an antenna.

In a high-frequency circuit, it is demanded that transmissioncharacteristics of a transmission signal in a predetermined frequencyband of each communication system are further increased, and that atransmission signal in the predetermined frequency band is inhibitedfrom being reflected and flowing into a transmission circuit side dueto, for example, antenna mismatching. Furthermore, a function ofmonitoring, with great accuracy, an antenna for which a communicationenvironment is favorable is demanded. For this reason, a function ofdetecting, with great accuracy, not only traveling waves of transmissionsignals in a plurality of frequency bands output from each communicationsystem but also a reflected wave of a transmission signal beingreflected at and returning from an antenna is demanded.

In this regard, in a communication device employing a recentcommunication scheme, such as a multiple input and multiple output(MIMO) scheme, a plurality of antennas are used. In the case where aplurality of antennas are used, a function of monitoring an antennadirection state is demanded to select an antenna for which acommunication environment is favorable. For this reason, it is greatlydemanded that an antenna for which a communication environment isfavorable is detected with little time delay at a point in time whencontrol is switched from reception control to transmission control.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Thus, the present disclosure has been made in view of theabove-described issues to provide a high-frequency module that enablesswitching to a state in which an antenna for which a communicationenvironment is favorable is able to be detected with little time delaywhen transmission control and reception control are switched.

A high-frequency module according to one embodiment of the presentdisclosure includes a transmission signal amplifier configured toamplify a radio frequency signal and output a transmission signal to anantenna terminal side; a reception signal amplifier configured toamplify a reception signal supplied from an antenna terminal; a switchconfigured to selectively connect the antenna terminal to either anoutput of the transmission signal amplifier or an input of the receptionsignal amplifier; and a directional coupler provided on a transmissionsignal path between the transmission signal amplifier and the antennaterminal and configured to detect a signal level of the transmissionsignal. The transmission signal amplifier is controlled by a firstcontrol signal supplied from a first control circuit. The receptionsignal amplifier is controlled by a second control signal supplied froma second control circuit. The switch is controlled by a switch controlsignal supplied from the first control circuit. The directional coupleris controlled by a coupler control signal supplied from the firstcontrol circuit.

Embodiments of the present disclosure enable, in the high-frequencymodule, switching to a state in which an antenna for which acommunication environment is favorable is able to be detected withlittle time delay when transmission control and reception control areswitched.

Other features, elements, characteristics and advantages of the presentdisclosure will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription of embodiments of the present disclosure with reference tothe attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates an example of a configuration of a high-frequencymodule according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B illustrates an example of a configuration of a high-frequencymodule according to a first modification of the first embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 1C illustrates an example of a configuration of a high-frequencymodule according to a second modification of the first embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 1D illustrates an example of a configuration of a high-frequencymodule according to a third modification of the first embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 1E illustrates an example of a configuration of a high-frequencymodule according to a fourth modification of the first embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 1F illustrates an example of a configuration of a high-frequencymodule according to a fifth modification of the first embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a configuration of a high-frequencymodule according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3A illustrates an example of a configuration of a high-frequencymodule according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3B illustrates an example of a configuration of a high-frequencymodule according to a first modification of the third embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a configuration of a high-frequencymodule according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5A illustrates an example of a configuration of a high-frequencymodule according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5B illustrates an example of a configuration of a high-frequencymodule according to a first modification of the fifth embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 5C illustrates an example of a configuration of a high-frequencymodule according to a second modification of the fifth embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 5D illustrates an example of a configuration of a high-frequencymodule according to a third modification of the fifth embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 5E illustrates an example of a configuration of a high-frequencymodule according to a fourth modification of the fifth embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a configuration of a high-frequencymodule according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a configuration of a high-frequencymodule according to a reference example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail belowwith reference to the drawings. Note that elements that are the same aredenoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated description thereofis omitted.

(1) First Embodiment (1-1) First Embodiment

FIG. 1A illustrates an example of a configuration of a high-frequencymodule (high-frequency module 100A) according to a first embodiment ofthe present disclosure. The high-frequency module 100A is used in, forexample, a mobile communication device, such as a cellular phone, totransmit and receive various signals, such as voice and data, to andfrom a base station. The high-frequency module 100A supports a pluralityof frequency bands (multiple bands) of radio frequencies (RF). Thehigh-frequency module 100A also supports a plurality of communicationschemes (multiple modes), such as a third generation mobilecommunication system (3G), a fourth generation mobile communicationsystem (4G), and a fifth generation mobile communication system (5G). Acommunication scheme supported by the high-frequency module 100A is notlimited to these. Furthermore, the high-frequency module 100A maysupport carrier aggregation.

As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the high-frequency module 100A includes afront-end unit 101 and a front-end unit 102. The high-frequency module100A includes a terminal TX for inputting a transmission signal, aterminal RX for outputting a reception signal, and a terminal ANT(antenna terminal) for connection to an antenna. A path connecting theterminal TX and the terminal ANT constitutes a transmission signal path(first signal path). A path connecting the terminal RX and the terminalANT constitutes a reception signal path (second signal path).

Hereinafter, on the transmission signal path, “previous stage” refers toa side opposite to the antenna terminal, and “subsequent stage” refersto an antenna terminal side. Furthermore, on the reception signal path,“previous stage” refers to the antenna terminal side, and “subsequentstage” refers to the side opposite to the antenna terminal.

The high-frequency module 100A further includes, for example, terminalsVcc1, Vcc2, SDATA1, SCLK1, VIO1, VBAT1, SDATA2, SCLK2, VIO2, VDD_LNA,CPL, and GND. The terminals Vcc1 and Vcc2 are connected to an amplifierunit 10, and a power-supply voltage to be supplied to the amplifier unit10 is input to the terminals Vcc1 and Vcc2. The terminal VBAT1 isconnected to a transmission control integrated circuit (IC) 20, and apower-supply voltage to be supplied to the transmission control IC 20 isinput to the terminal VBAT1. The terminal VDD_LNA is connected to areception control unit 60, and a power-supply voltage to be supplied tothe reception control unit 60 is input to the terminal VDD LNA. Theterminals SDATA1, SCLK1, and VIO1 are connected to the transmissioncontrol IC 20, and control signals SDATA1, SCLK1, and VIO1 to besupplied to the transmission control IC 20 are respectively input to theterminals SDATA1, SCLK1, and VIO1. The terminals SDATA2, SCLK2, and VIO2are connected to the reception control unit 60, and control signalsSDATA2, SCLK2, and V102 to be supplied to the reception control unit 60are respectively input to the terminals SDATA2, SCLK2, and VIO2. Theterminal CPL is connected to a terminal 50S of a coupler 50, and adetection signal of a traveling wave or reflected wave of a transmissionsignal is output from the terminal CPL as described later. The terminalGND is a ground terminal. The same signal or different signals may beinput to the terminals SDATA1, SCLK1, VIO1, SDATA2, SCLK2, and VIO2.

The front-end unit 101 includes the amplifier unit 10, the transmissioncontrol IC 20, a single pole double throw (SPDT) switch 30, a band passfilter (BPF) 40, and the coupler 50. The SPDT switch 30 is connected toa subsequent stage subsequent to the amplifier unit 10 (the antennaterminal side of the amplifier unit 10), the BPF 40 is connected to asubsequent stage subsequent to the SPDT switch 30, and the coupler 50 isconnected to a subsequent stage subsequent to the BPF 40.

The amplifier unit 10 (transmission signal amplifier) is formed on thetransmission signal path, amplifies the power of a transmission signalsupplied from the terminal TX to a level necessary to transmit thetransmission signal to a base station, and outputs an amplified signalto an antenna side. The amplifier unit 10 may include a plurality ofamplifiers. In the examples illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 1F, the amplifierunit 10 includes a first-stage (driver-stage) amplifier 10 a and asubsequent-stage (power-stage) amplifier 10 b. In the amplifier unit 10,a bias or gain is controlled based on a control signal S1 supplied froma transmission control block 20 a. For example, when the high-frequencymodule 100A operates to perform reception control (when a low noiseamplifier (LNA) 60 b operates and terminals 30 b and 30 c are connectedto each other in the SPDT switch 30), the amplifier unit 10 may stop thesupply of a bias to the amplifiers 10 a and 10 b.

The transmission control IC 20 is a chip in which the transmissioncontrol block 20 a (first control circuit) is formed. The transmissioncontrol block 20 a supplies, based on the control signals SDATA1, SCLK1,VIO1, and so forth, control signals in synchronization with one anotherto elements, such as the amplifier unit 10, the SPDT switch 30, and thecoupler 50, constituting the transmission signal path. Specifically, thetransmission control block 20 a respectively supplies the control signalS1 (first control signal), a control signal S2 (switch control signal),and a control signal S3 (coupler control signal) in synchronization withone another to the amplifier unit 10, the SPDT switch 30, and thecoupler 50.

The SPDT switch 30 is a high-frequency switch element having 1×2input-output terminals. Specifically, the SPDT switch 30 includes aterminal 30 a on a transmission signal path side, the terminal 30 b on areception signal path side, and the terminal 30 c on the antenna side.The SPDT switch 30 switches, based on the control signal S2 suppliedfrom the transmission control block 20 a, the connection of the terminal30 c on the antenna side between the terminal 30 a on the transmissionsignal path side and the terminal 30 b on the reception signal pathside. That is, when the terminal 30 a is connected to the terminal 30 c,the transmission signal path between the terminal ANT and the terminalTX is formed, and when the terminal 30 b is connected to the terminal 30c, the reception signal path between the terminal ANT and the terminalRX is formed. Furthermore, The SPDT switch 30 may be configured toterminate a terminal not operating.

The BPF 40 is a filter circuit that removes a spurious component or anout-of-band interference wave from a transmission signal or receptionsignal to thereby allow a frequency in a predetermined band to passthrough. With respect to a frequency in the predetermined band that isallowed to pass through by the BPF 40, frequency characteristics areable to be set by freely changing a circuit configuration of the filtercircuit in accordance with a communication scheme. That is, filtercomponents are replaced.

The coupler 50 is a bidirectional coupler coupled via an electromagneticfield to a signal path and detects a power level of a traveling wavethat propagates to the antenna and a power level of a reflected wavethat propagates from the antenna. The coupler 50 includes a terminal 50Fthat outputs a detection signal of a traveling wave, a terminal 50R thatoutputs a detection signal of a reflected wave, and the terminal 50Sthat is selectively connected to either the terminal 50F or 50R. Thecoupler 50 switches, based on the control signal S3 supplied from thetransmission control block 20 a, the connection of the terminal 50Sbetween the terminal 5OF and the terminal 50R. The terminal 50S isconnected to the terminal CPL included in the high-frequency module100A. The terminal CPL is connected to, for example, an RFIC provided ata previous stage previous to the high-frequency module 100A (on a sideopposite to the antenna), and a detection signal of a traveling wave orreflected wave is supplied to the RFIC.

The front-end unit 102 includes the reception control unit 60. Thereception control unit 60 is a chip in which a reception control block60 a and the LNA 60 b are formed.

The reception control block 60 a (second control circuit) supplies,based on the control signals SDATA2, SCLK2, VIO2, and so forth, acontrol signal to the LNA 60 b.

The LNA 60 b (reception signal amplifier) is formed on the receptionsignal path, amplifies, based on a control signal supplied from thereception control block 60 a, a reception signal supplied via theterminal ANT, and outputs an amplified signal to the RFIC or the like,which is not illustrated, provided on the side opposite to the antenna.

In the high-frequency module 100A according to the first embodiment ofthe present disclosure, the amplifier unit 10, the SPDT switch 30, andthe coupler 50 respectively operate based on the control signals S1, S2,and S3 supplied in synchronization with one another from thetransmission control block 20 a. This enables switching to a state inwhich the quality of the antenna for which a communication environmentis favorable is able to be detected with little time delay whentransmission control and reception control are switched.

(1-2) First Modification of First Embodiment

FIG. 1B illustrates an example of a configuration of a high-frequencymodule (high-frequency module 100B) according to a first modification ofthe first embodiment of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, a respectin which the configuration of the high-frequency module 100B differsfrom the configuration of the high-frequency module 100A will bedescribed, and description of respects in which the configuration of thehigh-frequency module 100B is similar to the configuration of thehigh-frequency module 100A is appropriately omitted.

As illustrated in FIG. 1B, in the high-frequency module 100B, the SPDTswitch 30 is connected to a subsequent stage subsequent to the amplifierunit 10, the coupler 50 is connected to a subsequent stage subsequent tothe SPDT switch 30, and the BPF 40 is connected to a subsequent stagesubsequent to the coupler 50. That is, the BPF 40 is disposed on theantenna terminal side with respect to the coupler 50 and the LNA 60 b.This may inhibit an unwanted signal from flowing to the coupler 50 andthe LNA 60 b in the high-frequency module 100B from the antennaterminal.

(1-3) Second Modification of First Embodiment

FIG. 1C illustrates an example of a configuration of a high-frequencymodule (high-frequency module 100C) according to a second modificationof the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, arespect in which the configuration of the high-frequency module 100Cdiffers from the configuration of the high-frequency module 100A will bedescribed, and description of respects in which the configuration of thehigh-frequency module 100C is similar to the configuration of thehigh-frequency module 100A is appropriately omitted.

A typical RFIC is able to perform digital predistortion (DPD) in whichan output signal to be supplied to a high-frequency module is adjustedso as to compensate for distortion of an output signal caused by anamplifier unit of the high-frequency module. In this regard, asillustrated in FIG. 1C, in the high-frequency module 100C, the coupler50 is connected to a subsequent stage subsequent to the amplifier unit10, the SPDT switch 30 is connected to a subsequent stage subsequent tothe coupler 50, and the BPF 40 is connected to a subsequent stagesubsequent to the SPDT switch 30. Thus, an output signal of theamplifier unit 10 is directly supplied to the coupler 50, and thecoupler 50 directly detects the output signal of the amplifier unit 10and is able to supply a detection signal from the terminal CPL to theRFIC, which is not illustrated. As a result, the RFIC is able toperform, based on the direct detection signal, DPD with a high degree ofaccuracy.

Furthermore, in the above-described configuration, the SPDT switch 30and the BPF 40 are disposed on the antenna terminal side with respect tothe coupler 50, and thus the coupler 50 is able to detect matchingstates of the SPDT switch 30, of the BPF 40, and on the antenna terminalside.

The coupler 50 may be a directional coupler that detects only atraveling wave. This enables reductions in loss between the amplifierunit 10 and the antenna terminal and loss between the LNA 60 b and theantenna terminal, and also increases the reception sensitivity of theLNA 60 b. Furthermore, the number of components of the coupler 50 isreduced, and the coupler 50 is able to be constituted by a boardpattern, a ceramic component, or the like, thus enabling a reduction inthe manufacturing cost of the high-frequency module 100C.

(1-4) Third Modification of First Embodiment

FIG. 1D illustrates an example of a configuration of a high-frequencymodule (high-frequency module 100D) according to a third modification ofthe first embodiment of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, a respectin which the configuration of the high-frequency module 100D differsfrom the configuration of the high-frequency module 100A will bedescribed, and description of respects in which the configuration of thehigh-frequency module 100D is similar to the configuration of thehigh-frequency module 100A is appropriately omitted.

As illustrated in FIG. 1D, the high-frequency module 100D includes twoantenna terminals ANT1 and ANT2, and two terminals RX1 and RX2 thatoutput a reception signal. The high-frequency module 100D furtherincludes a double pole double throw (DPDT) switch 31 and an LNA 60 c.Here, the DPDT switch 31 is a high-frequency switch element having 2×2input-output terminals and is connected to a subsequent stage subsequentto the coupler 50. The DPDT switch 31 includes a terminal 31 a connectedto the coupler 50, a terminal 31 b connected to the LNA 60 c, a terminal31 c connected to the antenna terminal ANT1, and a terminal 31 dconnected to the antenna terminal ANT2.

The transmission control block 20 a respectively supplies a controlsignal S21 and a control signal S22 to the SPDT switch 30 and the DPDTswitch 31. In the high-frequency module 100D, the SPDT switch 30 and theDPDT switch 31 constitute, as one unit, a switch that selectivelyconnects the antenna terminals ANT1 and ANT2 to the transmission signalpath and the reception signal path.

In the high-frequency module 100D, as a path extending through theterminal 31 b of the DPDT switch 31 and the LNA 60 c, a reception signalpath that does not extend through the coupler 50 is able to beconstructed. The high-frequency module 100D includes the two antennaterminals ANT1 and ANT2, and thus is able to select, from these twoantenna terminals, an antenna terminal of which the receptionsensitivity is high to connect the antenna terminal to the receptionsignal path. Furthermore, the high-frequency module 100D includes thetwo antenna terminals ANT1 and ANT2, and thus is able to support acommunication scheme, such as a MIMO scheme, in which two signals aresimultaneously received.

The high-frequency module 100D may further include, on the receptionsignal path, a BPF disposed at a previous stage previous to the LNA 60 cand at a subsequent stage subsequent to the DPDT switch 31. Thus, in thereception signal path that does not extend through the coupler 50 aswell, a spurious component or an out-of-band interference wave isremoved from a reception signal, and a frequency in a predetermined bandis thereby allowed to pass through.

(1-5) Fourth Modification of First Embodiment

FIG. 1E illustrates an example of a configuration of a high-frequencymodule (high-frequency module 100E) according to a fourth modificationof the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, arespect in which the configuration of the high-frequency module 100Ediffers from the configuration of the high-frequency module 100D will bedescribed, and description of respects in which the configuration of thehigh-frequency module 100E is similar to the configuration of thehigh-frequency module 100D is appropriately omitted.

As illustrated in FIG. 1E, the high-frequency module 100E includes aterminal eLAA. The terminal eLAA is a terminal for connection to anotherhigh-frequency module (not illustrated) for enhanced licensed assistedaccess (eLAA), which is a communication scheme. The high-frequencymodule 100E includes a three pole double throw (3PDT) switch 32 in placeof the DPDT switch 31. Here, the 3PDT switch 32 is a high-frequencyswitch element having 3×2 input-output terminals. Specifically, the 3PDTswitch 32 includes a terminal 32 a connected to the coupler 50, aterminal 32 b connected to the LNA 60 c, a terminal 32 c connected tothe terminal eLAA, a terminal 32 d connected to the antenna terminalANT1, and a terminal 32 e connected to the antenna terminal ANT2. Thus,the other high-frequency module and the antenna terminals ANT1 and ANT2of the high-frequency module 100E are able to be supplied.

(1-6) Fifth Modification of First Embodiment

FIG. 1F illustrates an example of a configuration of a high-frequencymodule (high-frequency module 100F) according to a fifth modification ofthe first embodiment of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, a respectin which the configuration of the high-frequency module 100F differsfrom the configuration of the high-frequency module 100A will bedescribed, and description of respects in which the configuration of thehigh-frequency module 100F is similar to the configuration of thehigh-frequency module 100A is appropriately omitted.

As illustrated in FIG. 1F, the high-frequency module 100F includes acoupler 52 in place of the coupler 50. The coupler 52 includes only onesub line and is able to detect a traveling wave and a reflected wave.The coupler 52 includes a terminal 52F that outputs a detection signalof a traveling wave, a terminal 52R that outputs a detection signal of areflected wave, and a terminal 52S that is selectively connected toeither the terminal 52F or 52R. In the coupler 52, when the terminal 52Sis connected to the terminal 52F, the terminal 52R is connected to atermination resistor Z, and, when the terminal 52S is connected to theterminal 52R, the terminal 52F is connected to the termination resistorZ.

(2) Second Embodiment

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a configuration of a high-frequencymodule (high-frequency module 200) according to a second embodiment ofthe present disclosure. Hereinafter, a respect in which theconfiguration of the high-frequency module 200 differs from theconfiguration of the high-frequency module 100A will be described, anddescription of respects in which the configuration of the high-frequencymodule 200 is similar to the configuration of the high-frequency module100A is appropriately omitted.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the high-frequency module 200 further includesa DPDT switch 33 and an SPDT switch 34 in place of the SPDT switch 30.The DPDT switch 33 is connected to a subsequent stage subsequent to theamplifier unit 10, the BPF 40 is connected to a subsequent stagesubsequent to the DPDT switch 33, the SPDT switch 34 is connected to asubsequent stage subsequent to the BPF 40, and the coupler 50 isconnected to a subsequent stage subsequent to the SPDT switch 34. Thetransmission control block 20 a respectively supplies the control signalS21 and the control signal S22 to the DPDT switch 33 and the SPDT switch34, respectively. In the high-frequency module 200, the DPDT switch 33and the SPDT switch 34 constitute, as one unit, a switch thatselectively connects the antenna terminal ANT to the transmission signalpath and the reception signal path.

The DPDT switch 33 includes a terminal 33 a connected to the amplifier10 b, a terminal 33 b connected to the LNA 60 b, a terminal 33 cconnected to the BPF 40, and a terminal 33 d connected to a terminalAux1. The SPDT switch 34 includes a terminal 34 a connected to the BPF40, a terminal 34 b connected to a terminal Aux2, and a terminal 34 cconnected to the coupler 50. The high-frequency module 200 furtherincludes the terminals Aux1 and Aux2. The terminals Aux1 and Aux2 areterminals for connection to an external BPF. Thus, the BPF 40 and theexternal BPF are able to be selectively used in accordance with adesired frequency band.

An envelope tracking power supply 71 and a direct current to directcurrent (DCDC) power supply 72 are selectively connected to theterminals Vcc1 and Vcc2 of the high-frequency module 200. Duringenvelope tracking operation in which a bias is controlled in accordancewith an envelope waveform of a signal, a power-supply voltage issupplied by the envelope tracking power supply 71 to the amplifier unit10 via the terminals Vcc1 and Vcc2. During average power trackingoperation in which a bias is controlled based on an average value ofsignal levels, a power-supply voltage is supplied by the DCDC powersupply 72 to the amplifier unit 10 via the terminals Vcc1 and Vcc2.

(3) Third Embodiment (3-1) Third Embodiment

FIG. 3A illustrates an example of a configuration of a high-frequencymodule (high-frequency module 300A) according to a third embodiment ofthe present disclosure. Hereinafter, a respect in which theconfiguration of the high-frequency module 300A differs from theconfiguration of the high-frequency module 200 will be described, anddescription of respects in which the configuration of the high-frequencymodule 300A is similar to the configuration of the high-frequency module200 is appropriately omitted.

As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the high-frequency module 300A does notinclude the terminals Aux1 and Aux2. The high-frequency module 300Afurther includes a BPF 41. Each of the terminal 33 d of the DPDT switch33 and the terminal 34 b of the SPDT switch 34 is connected to the BPF41. That is, the BPF 41 is disposed at a subsequent stage subsequent tothe DPDT switch 33 and at a previous stage previous to the SPDT switch34 in parallel with the BPF 40. Thus, the BPF 40 and the BPF 41 are ableto be selectively used in accordance with a desired frequency band.

(3-2) First Modification of Third Embodiment

FIG. 3B illustrates an example of a configuration of a high-frequencymodule (high-frequency module 300B) according to a first modification ofthe third embodiment of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, a respectin which the configuration of the high-frequency module 300B differsfrom the configuration of the high-frequency module 300A will bedescribed, and description of respects in which the configuration of thehigh-frequency module 300B is similar to the configuration of thehigh-frequency module 300A is appropriately omitted.

As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the transmission control IC 20 of thehigh-frequency module 300B includes a switch 21. The switch 21 includesa terminal 21 a connected between the amplifier 10 b and the terminal 33a of the DPDT switch 33, a terminal 21 b connected to the terminal Vcc1,and a terminal 21 c connected to the terminal Vcc2.

Furthermore, the high-frequency module 300B includes capacitors C1 andC2 that each serves as a bypass capacitor. One end of the capacitor C1is connected between the terminal 21 b and the terminal Vcc1, and theother end is connected to a ground terminal GND of the high-frequencymodule 300B. One end of the capacitor C2 is connected between theterminal 21 c and the terminal Vcc2, and the other end is connected to aground terminal GND of the high-frequency module 300B.

In the high-frequency module 300B, different bypass capacitors are ableto be selected in accordance with different power supplies (the envelopetracking power supply 71 and the DCDC power supply 72 in the exampleillustrated in FIG. 3B).

(4) Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a configuration of a high-frequencymodule (high-frequency module 400) according to a fourth embodiment ofthe present disclosure. Hereinafter, a respect in which theconfiguration of the high-frequency module 400 differs from theconfiguration of the high-frequency module 100 will be described, anddescription of respects in which the configuration of the high-frequencymodule 400 is similar to the configuration of the high-frequency module100 is appropriately omitted.

The high-frequency module 400 includes two terminals TX1 and TX2 forinputting a transmission signal, and the two terminals RX1 and RX2 foroutputting a reception signal. The amplifier unit 10 includes thefirst-stage amplifier 10 a and the subsequent-stage amplifier 10 b thatare formed along a transmission signal path (first transmission signalpath) extending from the terminal TX1. Furthermore, the amplifier unit10 includes a first-stage amplifier 10 c and a subsequent-stageamplifier 10 d that are formed along a transmission signal path (secondtransmission signal path) extending from the terminal TX2. The receptioncontrol unit 60 includes the LNA 60 b formed along a reception signalpath (first reception signal path) extending from the terminal RX1, andthe LNA 60 c formed along a reception signal path (second receptionsignal path) extending from the terminal RX2.

The high-frequency module 400 includes an SPDT switch 35, the DPDTswitch 33, a single pole three throw (SP3T) switch 36, and BPFs 40, 41,and 42. The SP3T switch 36 is a high-frequency switch element having a1×3 input-output terminal. The SPDT switch 35 and the DPDT switch 33 arerespectively connected to a subsequent stage subsequent to the amplifierunit 10 and a subsequent stage subsequent to the reception control unit60. The BPF 42 is connected to a subsequent stage subsequent to the SPDTswitch 35, and each of the BPFs 40 and 41 is connected to a subsequentstage subsequent to the DPDT switch 33. The SP3T switch 36 is connectedto subsequent stages subsequent to the BPFs 40, 41, and 42. The coupler50 is connected to a subsequent stage subsequent to the SP3T switch 36.

The transmission control block 20 a respectively supplies the controlsignal S21, the control signal S22, and a control signal S23 to the SPDTswitch 35, the DPDT switch 33, and the SP3T switch 36. In thehigh-frequency module 400, the SPDT switch 35, the DPDT switch 33, andthe SP3T switch 36 constitute, as one unit, a switch that selectivelyconnects the antenna terminal ANT to the transmission signal paths andthe reception signal paths.

(5) Fifth Embodiment (5-1) Fifth Embodiment

FIG. 5A illustrates an example of a configuration of a high-frequencymodule (high-frequency module 500A) according to a fifth embodiment ofthe present disclosure. Hereinafter, a respect in which theconfiguration of the high-frequency module 500A differs from theconfiguration of the high-frequency module 400 will be described, anddescription of respects in which the configuration of the high-frequencymodule 500A is similar to the configuration of the high-frequency module400 is appropriately omitted.

The high-frequency module 500A includes the antenna terminals ANT1 andANT2, and terminals CPL1 and CPL2.

Furthermore, the high-frequency module 500A includes a double pole threethrow (DP3T) switch 37 in place of the SP3T switch 36. The DP3T switch37 is a high-frequency switch element having a 2×3 input-outputterminal.

The DP3T switch 37 includes a terminal 37 a connected to the BPF 42, aterminal 37 b connected to the BPF 40, a terminal 37 c connected to theBPF 41, a terminal 37 d connected to a coupler 51, and a terminal 37 econnected to the coupler 50.

The high-frequency module 500A further includes the coupler 51. Thecoupler 51 is connected to a subsequent stage subsequent to the DP3Tswitch 37. The coupler 51 includes a terminal 51F that outputs adetection signal of a traveling wave, a terminal 51R that outputs adetection signal of a reflected wave, and a terminal 51S that isselectively connected to either the terminal 51F or 51R.

The transmission control block 20 a respectively supplies the controlsignal S1, the control signal S21, the control signal S22, the controlsignal S23, a control signal S31, and a control signal S32 to theamplifier unit 10, the SPDT switch 35, the DPDT switch 33, the DP3Tswitch 37, the coupler 50, and the coupler 51.

In the high-frequency module 500A, two systems of transmission signalpaths and two systems of reception signal paths are constructed, thusenabling simultaneous operation for two frequency bands.

(5-2) First Modification of Fifth Embodiment

FIG. 5B illustrates an example of a configuration of a high-frequencymodule (high-frequency module 500B) according to a first modification ofthe fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, a respectin which the configuration of the high-frequency module 500B differsfrom the configuration of the high-frequency module 500A will bedescribed, and description of respects in which the configuration of thehigh-frequency module 500B is similar to the configuration of thehigh-frequency module 500A is appropriately omitted.

The high-frequency module 500B includes terminals Aux1, Aux2, Aux3, andAux4. The high-frequency module 500B includes a DPDT switch 38 in placeof the SPDT switch 35 and includes a double pole four throw (DP4T)switch 39 in place of the DP3T switch 37. The DP4T switch 39 is ahigh-frequency switch element having a 2×4 input-output terminal.Furthermore, the high-frequency module 500B does not include the BPF 41.

The DPDT switch 38 includes a terminal 38 a connected to the amplifier10 b, a terminal 38 b connected to the LNA 60 c, a terminal 38 cconnected to the BPF 42, and a terminal 38 d connected to the terminalAux1. The terminal 33 d of the DPDT switch 33 is connected to theterminal Aux3. The DP4T switch 39 includes a terminal 39 a connected tothe terminal Aux2, a terminal 39 b connected to the BPF 42, a terminal39 c connected to the BPF 40, a terminal 39 d connected to the terminalAux4, a terminal 39 e connected to the coupler 51, and a terminal 39 fconnected to the coupler 50.

The terminals Aux1 and Aux2 are terminals for connection to an externalBPF. Similarly, the terminals Aux3 and Aux4 are terminals for connectionto an external BPF. Thus, in the high-frequency module 500B, the BPFs 40and 42, the external BPF connected to the terminals Aux1 and Aux2, andthe external BPF connected to the terminals Aux3 and Aux4 are able to beselectively used in accordance with a desired frequency band.

(5-3) Second Modification of Fifth Embodiment

FIG. 5C illustrates an example of a configuration of a high-frequencymodule (high-frequency module 500C) according to a second modificationof the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, arespect in which the configuration of the high-frequency module 500Cdiffers from the configuration of the high-frequency module 500B will bedescribed, and description of respects in which the configuration of thehigh-frequency module 500C is similar to the configuration of thehigh-frequency module 500B is appropriately omitted.

The high-frequency module 500C further includes a terminal RX3 foroutputting a reception signal. A reception signal path extending fromthe terminal RX3 is taken as a third reception signal path. Furthermore,the high-frequency module 500C includes a 3PDT switch 80 in place of theDPDT switch 33. The reception control unit 60 of the high-frequencymodule 500C further includes an LNA 60 d.

Furthermore, the high-frequency module 500C includes an n pole n throw(nPnT) switch 81. The nPnT switch 81 is a high-frequency switch elementhaving an n×n (where n is a natural number) input-output terminal. InFIG. 5C, for convenience of explanation, only terminals 81 a, 81 b, 81c, and 81 d of the nPnT switch 81 are illustrated. The transmissioncontrol block 20 a supplies a control signal S24 to the nPnT switch 81.

The 3PDT switch 80 includes a terminal 80 a connected to the amplifier10 d, a terminal 80 b connected to the LNA 60 b, a terminal 80 cconnected to the LNA 60 d, a terminal 80 d connected to the BPF 40, anda terminal 80 e connected to the terminal Aux3. Thus, in thehigh-frequency module 500C, three systems of reception signal pathscorresponding to desired frequency bands are constructed, therebyincreasing sensitivity to a reception signal. Furthermore, gain controlof an LNA corresponding to a desired frequency is also able to beperformed.

(5-4) Third Modification of Fifth Embodiment

FIG. 5D illustrates an example of a configuration of a high-frequencymodule (high-frequency module 500D) according to a third modification ofthe fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, a respectin which the configuration of the high-frequency module 500D differsfrom the configuration of the high-frequency module 500A will bedescribed, and description of respects in which the configuration of thehigh-frequency module 500D is similar to the configuration of thehigh-frequency module 500A is appropriately omitted.

The high-frequency module 500D does not include the DP3T switch 37 andincludes an SPDT switch 82 in place of the DPDT switch 33. The coupler51 is connected to a subsequent stage subsequent to the SPDT switch 35,and the coupler 50 is connected to a subsequent stage subsequent to theSPDT switch 82. The SPDT switch 82 includes a terminal 82 a connected tothe amplifier 10 d, a terminal 82 b connected to the LNA 60 b, and aterminal 82 c connected to the coupler 50.

The high-frequency module 500D includes, in place of the BPFs 40, 41,and 42, a duplexer 90 that separates a frequency higher and a frequencylower than a predetermined frequency from each other. Furthermore, inthe high-frequency module 500D, the coupler 51 is provided on the firsttransmission signal path extending from the terminal TX1, and thecoupler 50 is provided on the second transmission signal path extendingfrom the terminal TX2. This enables one antenna of a terminal to beshared by two systems of transmission signal paths and two systems ofreception signal paths.

(5-5) Fourth Modification of Fifth Embodiment

FIG. 5E illustrates an example of a configuration of a high-frequencymodule (high-frequency module 500E) according to a fourth modificationof the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, arespect in which the configuration of the high-frequency module 500Ediffers from the configuration of the high-frequency module 500D will bedescribed, and description of respects in which the configuration of thehigh-frequency module 500E is similar to the configuration of thehigh-frequency module 500D is appropriately omitted.

In the high-frequency module 500E, the duplexer 90 is connected to asubsequent stage subsequent to each of the SPDT switch 35 and the SPDTswitch 82. Specifically, the duplexer 90 is connected to a terminal 35 cof the SPDT switch 35 and the terminal 82 c of the SPDT switch 82. Inthe high-frequency module 500E, the coupler 50 is connected to asubsequent stage subsequent to the duplexer 90. Furthermore, thehigh-frequency module 500E does not include the coupler 51. The duplexer90 may be a surface acoustic wave (SAW) filter, a bulk acoustic wave(BAW) filter, or an LC filter.

In the high-frequency module 500E, the coupler 50 is connected to aprevious stage previous to the antenna terminal ANT, thus enabling oneantenna of a terminal to be shared by two systems of transmission signalpaths and two systems of reception signal paths. Furthermore, the numberof RF systems is one and one coupler is enough, thus contributing to areduction in the size of the module.

(6) Sixth Embodiment

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a configuration of a high-frequencymodule (high-frequency module 600) according to a sixth embodiment ofthe present disclosure. Hereinafter, a respect in which theconfiguration of the high-frequency module 600 differs from theconfiguration of the high-frequency module 100A will be described, anddescription of respects in which the configuration of the high-frequencymodule 600 is similar to the configuration of the high-frequency module100A is appropriately omitted.

The high-frequency module 600 includes the two terminals TX1 and TX2 forinputting a transmission signal, and the two terminals RX1 and RX2 foroutputting a reception signal. The terminal TX1 and the terminal RX1 areconnected to an RFIC 1000, and the terminal TX2 and the terminal RX2 areconnected to an RFIC 2000. Here, the RFICs 1000 and 2000 are RFICs usedfor respective different communication schemes. The RFIC 1000 supplies atransmission signal to the terminal TX1 and receives supply of areception signal from the terminal RX1. The RFIC 2000 supplies atransmission signal to the terminal TX2 and receives supply of areception signal from the terminal RX2.

The high-frequency module 600 includes an SPDT switch 83 (second switch)and an SPDT switch 84 (third switch). In the SPDT switch 83, a terminal83 a is connected to the terminal TX1, a terminal 83 b is connected tothe terminal TX2, and a terminal 83 c is connected to the amplifier 10 aof the amplifier unit 10. In the SPDT switch 84, a terminal 84 a isconnected to the terminal RX1, a terminal 84 b is connected to theterminal RX2, and a terminal 84 c is connected to the LNA 60 b of thereception control unit 60.

The SPDT switch 83 is connected to a previous stage previous to theamplifier unit 10 and selectively connects the amplifier unit 10 to theterminals TX1 and TX2. The SPDT switch 84 is connected to a previousstage previous to the reception control unit 60 and selectively connectsthe LNA 60 b of the reception control unit 60 to the terminals RX1 andRX2. Thus, in the high-frequency module 600, a plurality of differentcommunication schemes are able to be switched.

(7) Reference Example

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a configuration of a high-frequencymodule (high-frequency module 700) according to a reference example.Hereinafter, a respect in which the configuration of the high-frequencymodule 700 differs from the configuration of the high-frequency module100A will be described, and description of respects in which theconfiguration of the high-frequency module 700 is similar to theconfiguration of the high-frequency module 100A is appropriatelyomitted.

In the high-frequency module 100A, the transmission control block 20 acontrols the SPDT switch 30 and the coupler 50. However, in thehigh-frequency module 700, the reception control block 60 a may controlthe SPDT switch 30 and the coupler 50. Specifically, the receptioncontrol block 60 a respectively supplies a control signal S4, a controlsignal S5, and a control signal S6 to the LNA 60 b, the SPDT switch 30,and the coupler 50. Subsequently, the LNA 60 b, the SPDT switch 30, andthe coupler 50 respectively operate based on the control signal S4, thecontrol signal S5, and the control signal S6. Thus, in thehigh-frequency module 700, the SPDT switch 30 and the coupler 50 areable to be controlled in synchronization with the control of a receptionsignal.

The embodiments according to the present disclosure have been describedabove. A high-frequency module according to one embodiment of thepresent disclosure includes a transmission signal amplifier configuredto amplify a radio frequency signal and output a transmission signal toan antenna terminal side; a reception signal amplifier configured toamplify a reception signal supplied from an antenna terminal; a switchconfigured to selectively connect the antenna terminal to either thetransmission signal amplifier or the reception signal amplifier; and adirectional coupler provided on a transmission signal path between thetransmission signal amplifier and the antenna terminal and configured todetect a signal level of the transmission signal. The transmissionsignal amplifier is controlled by a first control signal supplied from afirst control circuit. The reception signal amplifier is controlled by asecond control signal supplied from a second control circuit. The switchis controlled by a switch control signal supplied from the first controlcircuit. The directional coupler is controlled by a coupler controlsignal supplied from the first control circuit.

This enables switching to a state in which the quality of an antenna forwhich a communication environment is favorable is able to be detectedwith little time delay when transmission control and reception controlare switched.

Furthermore, in the high-frequency module according to the oneembodiment of the present disclosure, the directional coupler may beconnected to an antenna terminal side of the switch.

This enables impedance matching on a side close to the antenna terminalto be checked.

Furthermore, in the high-frequency module according to the oneembodiment of the present disclosure, the switch may be connected to anantenna terminal side of the directional coupler.

This enables the directional coupler to directly detect an output of thetransmission signal amplifier.

Furthermore, in the high-frequency module according to the oneembodiment of the present disclosure, the switch may be constituted by aplurality of switch elements.

This increases flexibility in circuit layout in the high-frequencymodule.

Furthermore, in the high-frequency module according to the oneembodiment of the present disclosure, the switch may be constituted by asingle switch element.

This reduces the manufacturing cost of the high-frequency module andalso increases the ease of assembly.

Furthermore, in the high-frequency module according to the oneembodiment of the present disclosure, the directional coupler may be abidirectional coupler configured to further detect a signal level of areflected wave of the transmission signal.

This enables detection of a signal level of a reflected wave of thetransmission signal.

Furthermore, the high-frequency module according to the one embodimentof the present disclosure may further include a band pass filterconfigured to remove a frequency component outside a predeterminedfrequency band from a signal and provided on at least either thetransmission signal path or a reception signal path between thereception signal amplifier and the antenna terminal.

This enables a transmission signal and/or a reception signal in adesired frequency band to be obtained.

Furthermore, the high-frequency module according to the one embodimentof the present disclosure may include a terminal configured to connectthe high-frequency module to an external band pass filter configured toremove a frequency component outside a predetermined frequency band froma signal.

This enables a transmission signal and/or a reception signal in adesired frequency band to be obtained more easily.

Furthermore, the high-frequency module according to the one embodimentof the present disclosure may further include a second switch connectedto a side of the transmission signal amplifier opposite to the antennaterminal.

This enables switching of the transmission signal path in accordancewith a plurality of communication schemes.

Furthermore, the high-frequency module according to the one embodimentof the present disclosure may further include a third switch connectedto a side of the reception signal amplifier opposite to the antennaterminal.

This enables switching of the reception signal path in accordance with aplurality of communication schemes.

The above-described embodiments are intended to facilitate understandingof the present disclosure but are not intended for a limitedinterpretation of the present disclosure. The present disclosure can bechanged or improved without departing from the gist thereof and includesequivalents thereof. That is, appropriate design changes made to theembodiments by those skilled in the art are also included in the scopeof the present disclosure as long as the changes have features of thepresent disclosure. For example, the elements included in theembodiments, and the arrangements, materials, conditions, shapes, sizes,and so forth of the elements are not limited to those exemplified in theembodiments and can be appropriately changed. Furthermore, the elementsincluded in the embodiments can be combined as much as technicallypossible, and such combined elements are also included in the scope ofthe present disclosure as long as the combined elements have thefeatures of the present disclosure.

While embodiments of the disclosure have been described above, it is tobe understood that variations and modifications will be apparent tothose skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit ofthe disclosure. The scope of the disclosure, therefore, is to bedetermined solely by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A high-frequency module comprising: a firsttransmission signal amplifier configured to amplify a radio frequencysignal and output a first transmission signal to an antenna terminal; asecond transmission signal amplifier configured to amplify a radiofrequency signal and output a second transmission signal to the antennaterminal; a first directional coupler provided on a first transmissionsignal path between the first transmission signal amplifier and theantenna terminal, the first directional coupler being configured todetect a signal level of the first transmission signal; a seconddirectional coupler provided on a second transmission signal pathbetween the second transmission signal amplifier and the antennaterminal, the second directional coupler being configured to detect asignal level of the second transmission signal; and a first controlcircuit configured to control: the first transmission signal amplifierby a first control signal, the second transmission signal amplifier bythe first control signal, the first directional coupler by a firstcoupler control signal, and the second directional coupler by a secondcoupler control signal.
 2. The high-frequency module according to claim1, further comprising a switch configured to selectively connect theantenna terminal to an output of the first transmission signal amplifierand to an output of the second transmission signal amplifier.
 3. Thehigh-frequency module according to claim 2, wherein the switch isconnected between the first directional coupler and the antenna terminalor between the second directional coupler and the antenna terminal. 4.The high-frequency module according to claim 2, wherein the switch isconnected between the antenna terminal and the first transmission signalamplifier or between the antenna terminal and the second transmissionsignal amplifier.
 5. The high-frequency module according to claim 2,wherein the switch comprises a plurality of switches.
 6. Thehigh-frequency module according to claim 2, wherein the switch includesonly a single switch.
 7. The high-frequency module according to claim 2,wherein the first directional coupler and the second directional couplerare bidirectional couplers further configured to detect a signal levelof a reflected wave of the first transmission signal and the secondtransmission signal, respectively.
 8. The high-frequency moduleaccording to claim 1, wherein the antenna terminal comprises a firstantenna terminal configured to output the first transmission signal anda second antenna terminal configured to output the second transmissionsignal.
 9. The high-frequency module according to claim 8, furthercomprising a first switch connected between the first directionalcoupler and the first antenna terminal or between the second directionalcoupler and the second antenna terminal.
 10. The high-frequency moduleaccording to claim 9, further comprising a second switch connectedbetween the first antenna terminal and the first transmission signalamplifier or between the second antenna terminal and the secondtransmission signal amplifier.
 11. The high-frequency module accordingto claim 10, wherein the second switch comprises a plurality ofswitches.
 12. The high-frequency module according to claim 9, whereinthe first switch comprises a plurality of switches.
 13. Thehigh-frequency module according to claim 9, wherein the first switchincludes only a single switch.
 14. The high-frequency module accordingto claim 8, wherein the first directional coupler and the seconddirectional coupler are bidirectional couplers further configured todetect a signal level of a reflected wave of the first transmissionsignal and the second transmission signal, respectively.
 15. Thehigh-frequency module according to claim 1, wherein the firstdirectional coupler and the second directional coupler are bidirectionalcouplers further configured to detect a signal level of a reflected waveof the first transmission signal and the second transmission signal,respectively.
 16. The high-frequency module according to claim 1,further comprising: a band pass filter provided on the firsttransmission signal path, on the second transmission signal path, or ona reception signal path of the antenna terminal, wherein the band passfilter is configured to attenuate frequencies outside a frequency bandof the first transmission signal when the band pass filter is providedon the first transmission signal path, wherein the band pass filter isconfigured to attenuate frequencies outside a frequency band of thesecond transmission signal when the band pass filter is provided on thesecond transmission signal path, and wherein the band pass filter isconfigured to attenuate frequencies outside a frequency band of areception signal when the band pass filter is provided on the receptionsignal path.
 17. The high-frequency module according to claim 16,wherein the first directional coupler and the second directional couplerare bidirectional couplers further configured to detect a signal levelof a reflected wave of the first transmission signal and the secondtransmission signal, respectively.
 18. The high-frequency moduleaccording to claim 1, further comprising: a first band pass filterprovided on the first transmission signal path and configured toattenuate frequencies outside a frequency band of the first transmissionsignal; and a second band pass filter provided on a reception signalpath of the antenna terminal, and configured to attenuate frequenciesoutside a frequency band of a reception signal.
 19. The high-frequencymodule according to claim 18, wherein the first band pass filter and thesecond band pass filter are configured as a duplexer.
 20. Thehigh-frequency module according to claim 1, further comprising: aterminal configured to connect the high-frequency module to an externalband pass filter, wherein the external band pass filter is configured toattenuate frequencies outside a frequency band of the first transmissionsignal, the second transmission signal or a reception signal.